But whatever the result, I've reached a point where I want to learn more, push the envelope a bit, try something new with these images that are so magical for me. There are many paths I could take. But for now, my focus is on the "canvas" that is home to the pictures.
Previously, I've used slips and oxides to "paint" the clay, striving to create a rock-like surface. But painting the surface isn't satisfying me. I want the clay, itself, to look like rock. So tonight I wedged mason stains into balls of Loafers Glory (my preferred clay body for cave art) and layered the colored clays with the original. The stains I used were a walnut and a coral red. ( The only addition was some porcelain slip.) I made 3 pendants and a small test slab.
Though its too early to tell what will happen after the images are added and the test pieces are bisqued, my initial favourite is the pendant top center. I also wedged some clay with Sorrel and Cedar stains which I'll play around with tomorrow after work.
I'm not sure if any of this will work or not. But that's not what's important for me right now. I'm simply enjoying the process of experimenting...seeking...and being back at the drawing board.
5 comments:
Exciting stuff! I can't wait to see how the pots develop when you're using this clay. Have fun!
Thanks, Jer. Now that the clay has dried a good bit the colours aren't nearly as bright. Not sure if the bisque will bring them out again or not. But that's why they call it testing, yes? Hope you're doing well!
hey, I stopped by the studio today and saw the pots that came out of the gas kiln. Yours turned out great! Will post pics of some of them on my blog. :) Better yet, I hope you ended up stopping by.
Couldn't stop by. *gnashes teeth*. Hope I can see 'em tomorrow. Thanks for the pix!
wow, I like the test slab piece, it definitely looks like a mountain face that was cut away or blasted away. From what I understand the stains are pale after bisque, but turn darker after Cone 10, I have some in the kiln right now firing. Some mixed with water, some mixed with slip, but none I mixed directly into clay like you have. I like this new direction you are taking. I can't wait to see what you come up with.
Post a Comment